Latest news with #RoadTransportandHighways
NDTV
9 hours ago
- NDTV
How New Rs 3,000 FASTag Annual Pass Will Help You Save More
New Delhi: If you are a frequent traveller or love your road trips, you're in for big savings on toll charges with the introduction of the annual FASTag. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday announced the new plan for private vehicles. The annual pass will be effective from August 15 and cost Rs 3,000, as compared to the earlier Rs 10,000. The plan is designed specifically for non-commercial vehicles, including cars, jeeps and vans, and is valid for either 200 journeys or for one year from the date of activation, whichever is earlier. According to the ministry, the cost per trip under the scheme will be reduced to Rs 15 from Rs 50. This way, people who travel regularly can save up to Rs 7,000 annually. Here's how much you can save with the new FASTag annual plans. 1. Delhi to Chandigarh route Travelling from Delhi to Chandigarh, a private vehicle is charged toll at Murthal, Panipat, Gharaunda and Ambala. If the one-way toll is around Rs 405, the round trip costs approximately Rs 810. If you are travelling twice a month, the monthly charges will be approximately Rs 1,620, and the annual cost adds up to Rs 19,440. With the new FASTag annual plan, you just have to pay Rs 3,000 for a year for unlimited travel on this route and save over Rs 16,000. 2. Delhi to Jaipur There are four tolls -- Ghamroj, Hilalpur, Bhandarraj and Rajadhok -- between Delhi and Jaipur. The one-way toll tax is around Rs 322, so the round trip costs approximately Rs 644. And if you're travelling twice a month, the monthly charges are approximately Rs 1,288, making the annual cost Rs 15,456. With the FASTag annual plan, you pay just Rs 3,000 for a year of unlimited travel on this route and can save over Rs 12,000. 3. Delhi to Mumbai Delhi to Mumbai has around 12 to 15 toll plazas, including Kherki Daula, Kishangarh, Ahmedabad Ring Road, Surat, Vapi and Dahisar. But officials said that in closed tolling highways, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a vehicle is charged exclusively at entry and exit points, marking it as a single trip. So if the one-way toll tax is approximately Rs 1,900, the round trip will cost Rs 3,800. If you are travelling even once a month, it adds up to Rs 7,600. But if you opt for the new FASTag annual plan, you pay just Rs 3,000 for a year and enjoy unlimited travel until you complete 200 trips.
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: What is RFID technology in FASTag? Key concept for your UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: FASTag is an important milestone in the move towards Digital India. Knowing about the technology deployed in FASTag is important as per the current trends of the UPSC questions. Also, the development of indigenous navigation satellites has been in the news for quite some time. Previously, UPSC has asked Prelims and Mains questions on IRNSS. ) Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (18th June) announced a FASTag-based annual pass priced at Rs 3,000 for 'hassle-free-highway travel'. He said the new system, exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, will address the 'long-standing concerns' regarding toll plazas. It will go into effect from August 15 and be valid for one year or 200 trips, whichever comes earlier. 1. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). FASTag sticker is usually pasted on the windscreen of a car. It was launched in 2014 as a pilot project and made mandatory at every toll plaza in the country in 2021. 2. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to communicate with scanners installed at toll plazas. Once the car crosses a toll plaza, the requisite toll amount is automatically deducted from a bank account or a prepaid wallet linked to the FASTag. 3. RFID is a wireless tracking system that consists of tags and readers. Radio waves are used to communicate information/identity of objects or people to nearby readers – devices that can be hand-held or built into fixed positions like poles or buildings. The tags can carry encrypted information, serial numbers and short descriptions. There are also high-memory tags like the ones designed for use in the aviation industry. 4. There are different types of RFID tags: Passive tags, semi-passive tags, and active tags. Active RFIDs use their own power source, mostly batteries. Active tags can ping information every few seconds like beacons, or they can get activated when a reader is in the proximity. 5. Passive RFIDs, on the other hand, are activated through the reader using the electromagnetic energy it transmits. This is enough power for the tag to transmit information back to the reader. Active tags have a longer read range, around 300 ft, compared to passive tags. FASTag uses passive RFID tags. Semi-passive tags comprise an internal circuit with a power source, but rely on the radio waves received from the reader to transmit the response. 6. RFID tags use an integrated circuit and an antenna to communicate with a reader using radio waves at several different frequencies – low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). The message sent back by the tag in the form of radio waves is translated into data and analysed by the host computer system. ➥ The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will soon implement the barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time 'ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System' at selected toll plazas. ➥ This tolling system will combine 'Automatic Number Plate Recognition' (ANPR) technology with the existing 'FASTag' system for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification using high-performance ANPR cameras and FASTag readers. The vehicles don't need to stop at toll plaza for this. ➥ In March, the Union Minister of Transport informed the Rajya Sabha that the government has deferred the proposed adoption of an ambitious Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for toll account of privacy concerns. ➥ Under the GNSS, the toll collection system works with the help of satellites and on-board unit (OBU) fitted in vehicles, and the toll is calculated based on the distance traveled. ➥ Sources said that the GNSS has been put on hold as a decision was taken that it will be rolled out only when India has its own complete satellite system as there are serious privacy concerns regarding individuals and vehicle data. 1. NavIC, or Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an independent, stand-alone navigation satellite system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It consists of a seven-satellite constellation serving both defence and civilian needs. According to the website of ISRO, the three satellites of the constellation are placed in geostationary orbit, and four satellites are placed in inclined geosynchronous orbit 2. The idea for an indigenous GNSS was conceived in 1999 following the war in Kargil, during which India's military could not use the American Global Positioning System (GPS) in the conflict zone. In this regard, the first satellite, IRNSS 1A, was launched on July 1, 2013. 3. Following the launch of IRNSS-1G, the seventh in the series on April 28, 2016, ISRO had said that 'the successful launch… [of the satellite] signifies the completion of the IRNSS constellation'. However, mid-2016 onward, there were reports of failures of the rubidium atomic clocks used in several navigation satellites. Only five of the 11 satellites launched in the Rs 2,250 crore NavIC program – including replacements for failed satellites – are fully operational, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said. 4. The NavIC satellites provide two types of services – Standard Positioning Service which is for general and commercial use, and Restricted Service which is meant for the defence forces – over the Indian landmass and neighbouring regions. 5. A primary reason to develop an indigenous satellite navigation system like the IRNSS despite the existence of global systems such as the GPS (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (Europe), Beidou (China), and QZSS (Japan), is the reliability that it offers in defence use. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018) 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) None (Source: Explained: What are RFID tags that will be used to track Amarnath pilgrims?, FASTag Annual Pass scheme, which aims to provide 'hassle-free highway travel' at Rs 3,000, Story of NavIC: crucial indigenous SatNav system, a few hurdles in development path) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Hans India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
Tata Motors Inaugurates Re.Wi.Re – Advanced Vehicle Scrapping Facilities in Lucknow and Raipur
Reaffirming its commitment to driving India's transition towards sustainable mobility and a circular economy, Tata Motors — India's leading automobile manufacturer—today announced the opening of two state-of-the-art – Recycle with Respect – Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh). Inaugurated (virtually) by the Hon'ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Shri Nitin Gadkari, these facilities are designed to safely and responsibly dismantle end-of-life vehicles. They are equipped to handle passenger and commercial vehicles across all brands, including two- and three-wheelers. Speaking on this momentous occasion, Hon'ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said, 'I am pleased to launch two Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities in Lucknow and Raipur. These modern centres mark a progressive step under the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy, which empowers citizens to transition to cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles through structured incentives. These facilities will play a crucial role in the safe dismantling of unfit vehicles while enabling the recovery of valuable materials for scientific recycling. I commend Tata Motors for their steadfast commitment to sustainability and for establishing a nationwide RVSF infrastructure that aligns with global standards. Progressive initiatives like these are vital to building a robust ecosystem that makes vehicle scrappage accessible, efficient, and impactful across the country.' The Raipur RVSF will be operated by Tata Motors' partner Raipur Green Energy Pvt Ltd and has a capacity to safely dismantle up to 25,000 vehicles per annum, while the Lucknow facility that can scrap up to 15,000 vehicles annually and is operated by Moto Scrapland Pvt. Ltd. Speaking about the – Recycle with Respect initiative, Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, 'Sustainability is not merely a commitment at Tata Motors—it is a foundational pillar shaping the future of mobility. Guided by the principles of a circular economy, we are steadfast in our pursuit of responsible and eco-friendly practices. With the widest nationwide network of facilities, Tata Motors is now equipped to responsibly dismantle over 1.75 lakh end-of-life vehicles annually. We deeply value the unwavering support and collaboration of our partners, state governments, and local authorities in turning this vision into reality. I would especially like to thank Hon'ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari for his continued leadership and encouragement in advancing sustainable mobility and vehicle recycling in India.' With this expansion, Tata Motors now operates 10 vehicle-scrapping centres, including facilities in Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Pune, Guwahati, Raipur, Lucknow and Kolkata. Each facility is fully digitalised, with all its operations seamless and paperless. Equipped with cell-type dismantling for commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers, and line-type dismantling for passenger vehicles, there are dedicated stations for the safe dismantling of various components, including tyres, batteries, fuel, oils, liquids, and gases. Every vehicle undergoes a meticulous documentation and dismantling process designed specifically to meet the responsible scrapping requirements of passenger and commercial vehicles, guaranteeing safe disposal of all components as per the nation's vehicle scrappage policy. The facility embodies a ground-breaking leap towards fostering sustainable practices within the automotive industry.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Explained: FASTag Annual Pass scheme, which aims to provide ‘hassle-free highway travel' at Rs 3,000
Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday (June 18) announced a FASTag-based annual pass of Rs 3,000 for 'hassle-free-highway travel'. He said the new system, exclusively for non-commercial private vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, will address the 'long-standing concerns' regarding toll plazas. Gadkari said the FASTag-based passes will be effective from August 15 and valid for one year or 200 trips or crossings, whichever comes earlier. He also said that users will save at least Rs. 7,000 per pass, and the average cost of crossing one toll plaza will be only Rs 15. FASTag is an electronic toll collection system managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A FASTag sticker is usually pasted on the windscreen of a car. It was launched in 2014 as a pilot project and made mandatory at every toll plaza in the country in 2021. The new annual pass scheme, activated on the FASTag, will allow free passage of private car, jeep or van at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas for the given duration, without per-trip user fee charges. Once the Annual Pass completes either 200 trips or one year from the date of activation, it will automatically revert to a regular FASTag. However, the user may re-purchase the Annual Pass once the 200-trip limit is exhausted, even if the one-year validity period has not yet ended. The pass is non-transferable and is valid only for the vehicle on which the FASTag is affixed and registered. For the point-based fee plazas, each crossing of the fee plaza will be counted as one trip. A round trip (to and fro) will be counted as two trips. For closed tolling fee plazas, one pair of entry and exit will be counted as one trip. No, the Annual Pass is not mandatory. The existing FASTag ecosystem will continue to operate as it is. Users who do not opt for the Annual Pass can continue to use their FASTag for regular transactions as per applicable user fee rates at fee plazas. Which vehicles are covered under the pass? The Annual Pass is applicable only for private non-commercial Car, Jeep and Van. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), use of annual pass in any commercial vehicle will result in immediate deactivation without notice. How will it be activated? It will be activated after verifying the eligibility of the vehicle and the associated FASTag. Upon successful verification, the user will have to make a payment of Rs. 3,000 for the base year 2025–26 through the Rajmargyatra mobile application or the NHAI website. Once the payment is confirmed, the Annual Pass will be activated on the registered FASTag. The user will receive SMS notifications related to the Annual Pass. Those who already have the FASTag need not purchase a new FASTag, as the Annual Pass can be activated on existing FASTag. However, it should meet the eligibility criteria, i.e., it is properly affixed on the vehicle's windshield, linked to a valid Vehicle Registration Number, not blacklisted, etc. Are all toll plazas covered under the pass? No. It is valid only at National Highway and National Expressway fee plazas. At fee plazas on Expressways, State Highways, etc. managed by state governments or local bodies, the FASTag will operate as a regular FASTag, and applicable user fee charges will apply. Will the Annual Pass fee be revised? Yes. A notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on June 17 says that the amount of fee payable for the pass may be revised annually with effect from the April 1 of every year. Dheeraj Mishra is a Principal correspondent with The Indian Express, Business Bureau. He covers India's two key ministries- Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. He frequently uses the Right to Information (RTI) Act for his stories, which have resulted in many impactful reports. ... Read More
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Annual FASTag pass to make highway toll payment easier: This is how
An annual pass for non-commercial private vehicles will make FASTag payments easier and economical when it is launched on August 15, said the government. The FASTag Annual pass costs Rs 3,000. A new policy will allow private vehicle owners to make up to 200 toll-free trips on national highways within one year of activation, said Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on X. The pass will be valid either for a full year or till the user completes 200 trips, whichever happens earlier. The policy will help benefit frequent travellers who have to pay at toll plazas located within 60 km of each other, an issue that has long been a source of frustration. Where and how to activate FASTag Annual Pass The pass will be available on the Rajmarg Yatra App, along with official websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). A dedicated link for activation and renewal will be provided soon. Only private, non-commercial LMVs like cars, jeeps and vans are eligible. FASTag Annual Pass launch date: August 15, 2025 Key benefits of the FASTag Annual Pass Nationwide access: Valid for all national highways
